Be a virtual tourist from home

FAILTE Ireland and Google have come up with a solution for anybody who feels like a bit of sightseeing, but can’t find the time.

Ireland’s most remote and beautiful locations can now be seen on Google Street View meaning you can check out our stunning countryside without leaving the comfort of home.

Locations such as Erris Head Loop on the Wild Atlantic Way, Melifont Abbey in Ireland’s Ancient East and Howth Head in Dublin can now be accessed in Street View, and seen from all angles with 360 degree views. 

Throughout last year, Fáilte Ireland borrowed the Google Trekker to document many of Ireland’s remotest tourism beauty spots for Street View.

The Trekker is a wearable backpack, with a camera system on top.

It can be walked through pedestrian walkways or trails on foot, and automatically gathers images as it goes.

And Fáilte Ireland have used it to capture some great images from along the Wild Atlantic Way, throughout Ireland’s Ancient East and in Dublin city and county.

Starting along the Wild Atlantic Way, Fáilte Ireland employees captured sights such as islands like Inishbofin, Achill, the Blaskets and Dun Aengus on Inish Mor as well as other significant destinations such as Sliabh Liag, Croagh Patrick and Mizen Head.

They also captured many of the highlights of Ireland’s Ancient East, including the narrow streets of medieval towns, the grounds of stately homes and iconic attractions such as Newgrange.

The specialised camera was also used to capture parts of the Dublin experience, particularly many of its scenic walks in places such as Howth Head, Sandycove and the Royal Canal.

Daragh Anglim, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Marketing, explained how the project can benefit tourism.

“We know that the vast majority of people use the internet to research their holidays,” he said.

“People want to see where they are going even before they get here. Partnering with Google on this project means that millions worldwide will get to explore these beautiful remote parts of Ireland through stunning panoramic imagery.

“We believe that when they see these images people will be encouraged to make the crucial decision to come over here to see the real thing.

“In Fáilte Ireland, we are constantly searching for the most innovative and effective ways to give Ireland an edge in the competitive global tourism market.

“We have world class landscapes, sights and experiences – the more we can share, the more visitors we can attract. The use of Google Trekker was therefore a logical and welcome addition to our significant investment and focus on digital channels to promote Ireland.

Communications Manager with Google, Emily Clarke, also thinks the project can have huge tourism benefits.

“The Google Trekker can capture Street View imagery in some of world’s remotest places, places where the car just can’t go,” she said.

“And now, people around the world will be able to see the beautiful landscape of Ireland’s east coast and beyond right from their phone or computer.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Fáilte Ireland to bring Street View imagery to an area of Ireland that is known for its outstanding natural beauty and we hope it will also encourage more people to visit this stunning area.”